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Providing Child Care for Westchester’s Working Families
Addressing Food Insecurity in Westchester County
Meeting the Affordable Housing Challenge in Westchester County
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has submitted his proposed $2.7 billion-dollar 2027 Operating Budget, a fiscally responsible spending plan that maintains essential County services, prioritizes the needs of residents and remains within the New York State property tax cap despite mounting financial pressures from Washington.
Jenkins said: “We have closed a projected $113 million budget gap through disciplined cost-reduction measures across all County operations. Westchester’s economy performed better than projected and that coupled with extremely stringent department budgeting and eliminating 160 vacant positions, we achieved these necessary savings to close the gap in part. We achieved this without resorting to employee layoffs or drawing down a single dollar from our vital rainy-day reserves.”
Cost Saving Approach:
- Headcount
- Holding the line on vacant positions (Other than Woodfield, see below).
- Eliminating 160 vacant positions and defunding over 300 vacancies.
- Investment Income
- Improved management of County funds, closeout capital projects $10.2 million in unspent bond proceeds and optimizing rebates for pharmacy benefit.
- Equipment Reduction
- Equipment reduction in non-urgent equipment purchases.
- $2.8 million reduction from initial budget requests.
- Contracts Reduction
- Reduction in contracts from the Departments of Planning, Law, Labs and Research and Public Works & Transportation $12.6 millions reduction from initial budget requests.
- Reimbursements
- Maximizing federal and state reimbursements that cover childcare and buses.
Westchester County Director of Operations Emily Saltzman said: “Despite rising costs and evolving federal policy challenges, this budget remains focused on protecting and supporting the vital services that Westchester seniors, families and community organizations rely upon every day.”
Nonprofit Westchester Executive Director Jan Fisher said: “Westchester’s nonprofits are essential partners in delivering services on behalf of County government, helping residents of all backgrounds address critical issues and build stronger futures. We thank County Executive Ken Jenkins for proposing a fiscally responsible budget that sustains investments in the people and organizations working to expand opportunity throughout Westchester. At a time of growing financial pressure and uncertainty, this commitment to childcare, food security, housing stability, health, arts and culture, community life and more recognizes that our County’s strength – socially and economically – depends on the well-being of its residents.”
Business Council of Westchester President & CEO Marsha Gordon said: “In the face of serious economic challenges impacting all governments, the County Executive has proposed a responsible, balanced budget that cuts costs, maintains fiscal discipline and preserves investments in the essential services upon which residents, businesses and vital nonprofits depend. The Business Council of Westchester recognizes the critical importance of sound regional leadership to economic growth and vitality and looks forward to continuing our partnership with the County Executive and his team to ensure that Westchester is a great place to live, work, invest and thrive.”
Westchester County Association (WCA) President & CEO Michael N. Romita said: “The County Executive’s proposed operating budget reflects many of the priorities identified through the ongoing Blueprint ’26 project. Notwithstanding its financial challenges, the County will need to address the affordability factors that influence economic growth and talent attraction. In order to stay competitive and support our businesses, workers and families, we must invest in housing, transportation, critical infrastructure and childcare, all while protecting the natural and cultural assets which define our unique quality of place. The WCA is dedicated to continuing its partnership with County government as we build an economy that aspires to work for everyone.”
The Proposed 2027 Operating Budget continues to fund critical programs and services, including:
- Public Safety
- Record investments in the Departments of Public Safety, Probation and Correction.
- Strengthening public safety operations.
- Ensuring that those on the front lines have the resources they need to serve our communities effectively.
- Continuation of the successful HERRO Scholarship Program, investing in the education and professional development of first responders.
- Transition of Woodfield Specialized Secure Residence to direct County operation.
- A move designed to strengthen oversight and ensure the highest standards of care and accountability for young people in the County’s custody.
- Affordable Childcare and Youth Development
- Continuing the County’s Childcare Scholarship Program to assist working families whose incomes exceed New York State eligibility thresholds.
- Maintaining a $100 million commitment to affordable childcare and investing $3.1 million in positive youth development and after-school programming.
- Food Security
- Investing more than $1 million to support local food pantries and combat food insecurity, including an additional $200,000 in direct food pantry grants.
- Eviction Prevention
- Providing $5.1 million for legal services and advocacy to help residents facing eviction and housing instability.
- Mental Health Services
- Continuing to operate the Safety Net Mental Health Clinic in White Plains, which serves nearly 200 individuals through therapy, medication management and connections to social services.
- Continuing a $5 million investment in youth mental health programs and services.
- Health
- Providing $1.1 million to support Federally Qualified Health Centers and expand access to essential health care services.
- Investing $500,000 in maternal mortality prevention programming to improve maternal health outcomes.
- Maintaining free vaccination and sexual health clinics in White Plains and Yonkers to ensure residents have access to essential preventive health services.
- Domestic Violence
- Continuing a $15 million investment in staff, programs and nonprofit organizations providing critical services and support to survivors.
- Parks, Recreation and Conservation
- Fully maintained robust funding for our nationally recognized parks system.
- No increase in Parks fees: Maintaining current admission and usage fees for County pools, beaches, golf courses and other recreational facilities.
- Senior Programs and Services
- Preserved vital recreational and wellness programming for senior citizens.
- Transportation
- Maintains current service levels across our mass transit network, including the Bee-Line Bus System and Paratransit services.
- Cultural Organizations
- Libraries, Arts and Culture: Sustaining investments in libraries, arts organizations and cultural programming throughout Westchester County.
Feeding Westchester President & CEO Kristine Borok said: “Westchester County has shown time and again that nourishing our neighbors is a priority, and this budget continues that commitment. With 41% of Westchester households at risk of hunger, the County’s continued investment in local food pantries and our network of 175 partners could not come at a more critical moment to help us meet the need. We’re grateful to County Executive Ken Jenkins, his team, and the Board of Legislators for this support, so that no neighbor has to face hunger alone.”
Ossining Children’s Center Executive Director and Co-President Westchester Early Childhood Directors’ Association Howard Milbert said: “Westchester has a long-standing tradition of leadership in providing County-funded childcare scholarships that help working families afford quality childcare. We are pleased that, even in an especially challenging budget year with federal funding cuts looming, the County Executive remains committed to keeping childcare affordable by continuing the Westchester County Child Care Scholarship Program.”
Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear said: “Budgets are much more than just a list of appropriations and line items; they are a reflection of our values. This budget shows strong support for our first responders, and it values the work they do every day to keep our communities safe. The Department of Emergency Services appreciates County Executive Jenkins support of our fire training center, fire safety programs, hazmat and tech rescue teams, EMS training and wellness programs, 911 emergency communications and dispatch services, and emergency planning, mitigation and response activities. With this budget we will continue to provide valuable services and resources to communities throughout Westchester County.”
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said: “The County Executive’s proposed budget provides the Department of Public Safety with the resources we need to provide the Patrol, Investigative and Special Operations services that are vital to keeping Westchester safe. It supports the core missions of our Department and also enables us to continue providing valuable support to all municipal police agencies in Westchester. I am grateful for his commitment to public safety and for his unwavering support for this Department and the law enforcement community.”
Department of Senior Programs & Services Acting Commissioner Randolf A. Scott said: “The submission of the County’s $2.7 billion 2027 Operating Budget reflects our ongoing commitment to the programs and services that make a meaningful difference for Westchester County seniors. I am proud that this budget prioritizes vital wellness, recreational and social programming, each essential to promoting healthy aging, reducing isolation and keeping seniors active and connected to their communities. Continuing this critical support reaffirms our commitment to protecting the independence, dignity and quality of life of the Westchester County seniors we are privileged to serve.”
Director of the Office of Housing Counsel George Asante said: “Investing in eviction prevention isn’t just the right thing to do for our residents, it’s smart fiscal policy for our County. This $5 million investment yields immediate and long-term financial returns. By stabilizing housing, we ensure that children and families are housed and that local landlords get paid while avoiding the significantly higher public costs of emergency shelter systems and long-term social services. Further, by providing guidance to tenants early on in the process, we reduce the burden on the local court system, thus saving additional taxpayer funds.”
Budget Gap
The 2027 Proposed Operating Budget comes at a time of extraordinary fiscal challenges for local governments, driven by federal funding reductions, near-double-digit growth in employee healthcare costs, inflation, tariffs and significant increases in the cost of goods and services. Mandated program expenses are also climbing sharply, particularly within preschool services and social service public assistance initiatives.
Jenkins said: “Families across Westchester County are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and County government is no different. We are paying more for everything, from healthcare, to fuel, to technology. The basic goods and services we need to operate are creating massive holes in our budget. At the same time, the federal government is shifting more financial responsibility onto local governments, leaving counties like Westchester to pick up the tab. We have worked aggressively to control spending, reduce costs and make difficult decisions, but we cannot simply absorb these increases without consequences.”
Despite implementing significant spending reductions, Westchester County continues to face a substantial budget gap.
Jenkins said: “I have been saying it for months – federal policy changes alone relating to SNAP have created financial pressures equivalent to approximately a 1% increase in the County property tax levy. Changes to federal health care and public assistance programs are shifting additional costs to state and local governments, placing further strain on an already challenging fiscal environment. When you get your tax bill, thank Washington.”
IT Costs
The County is also confronting dramatic increases in technology costs, driven in part by growing demand for computer components associated with AI and data center expansion. Technology-related cost increases alone account for approximately $4 million in additional expenses. Overall, there has been a 20% increase in the average cost for IT service contracts.
Jenkins said: “We have a workforce of thousands, and they need computers to make sure the sewer is being treated and the jail is running. They need computers to track public health emergencies and individuals on probation. We need cloud storge and IT security measures – our hands are tied. We also have serious security threats, exacerbated by AI that we need to defend ourselves against – all of this costs money.”
Census
Adding to the uncertainty are proposed federal changes to the U.S. Census that could significantly affect the allocation of federal funding to New York State and Westchester County. Any reduction in population-based funding could shift additional financial burdens onto local governments and taxpayers.
Jenkins said: “Washington cannot simply erase people. All this proposal does is take federal dollars away from communities like Westchester and dump the financial burden directly onto the backs of local property taxpayers.”
Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “The 2027 budget presented by the County Executive is mindful of the economic challenges we face, yet responsive to the continued needs of county residents, particularly in the areas of housing, health, and food insecurity. The Department of Planning is also pleased to see funding included in the budget to support Census 2030 initiatives. Given the uncertainties at the federal level, it is critical that the County work with its municipal partners and stakeholders as early as possible to ensure a complete count of all residents.”
Closing the Budget Gap
The proposed budget includes a 3.3% increase in the County property tax levy, which translates to approximately $34 more annually for a homeowner with a property valued at $500,000.